Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.
Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.
🔌 Electric van funding gets another year
Fleet operators switching to electric vans just got a two-year boost, as the plug-in van grant has been extended until April 2026.
The scheme, originally set to expire this April, will continue offering up to £5,000 off larger electric vans and £2,500 off smaller models, backed by £120 million in Government funding.
Licensing rule changes will also align heavier EV vans with petrol and diesel equivalents, removing extra training barriers.
📐 In haulage, size matters
Rigid or articulated? 18 or 44 tonnes? Whether you’re moving general freight, oversized loads, or temperature-sensitive goods, knowing the legal lorry sizes and weight limits will your haulage operations compliant and efficient.
Our latest guide covers UK lorry sizes, trailer types, and legal weight limits to help you make the right choice when expanding your fleet, or subbing out haulage work.
👮 Tacho violations can get expensive!
A truck inspection on the A2 motorway near Bielefeld in Germany uncovered serious tachograph violations, with a Greek driver caught using two driver cards to exceed legal driving limits. The Bulgarian haulage company involved now faces a €200,000 fine, while the driver has been hit with an €18,000 penalty.
Cutting corners on drivers’ hours rules isn’t just risky—it’s financially devastating. With tacho enforcement tightening across Europe, this case serves as a reminder for hauliers to prioritise compliance or face severe consequences.
So how can fleet operators avoid costly mistakes like this? Check out our guide to tachograph laws.
⛴️ Coming soon: UK’s new ETA visa
From April 2025, EU drivers will need Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, adding a new layer of complexity for international haulage.
Non-EU drivers already require ETAs, making early planning important to avoid delays and penalties.
Read our guide to learn how to educate your drivers, track renewals, and integrate ETA checks into your operations to stay compliant and keep deliveries running smoothly.
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